Monthly Archives: October 2012

A SHOE PROTRUDING FROM THE GROUND IN NORTHERN MENDOCINO COUNTY LED AUTHORITIES TO FIND A HUMAN SKELETON IN A SHALLOW GRAVE.

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE RECEIVED THE CALL AT 6:59 AM YESTERDAY. THE CALLER SAID THEY FOUND THE SHOE STICKING OUT OF THE GROUND NEAR THE SHORE OF THE EEL RIVER NEAR HIGHWAY 271. THE CALLER TOLD AUTHORITIES THAT IT APPEARED TO ATTACHED TO A BODY. THE SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT CALLED IN HELP FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ANTHROPOLOGY AT CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, CHICO, TO RECOVER THE REMAINS. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ON THE CASE IS URGED TO CALL THE MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S TIP LINE AT 234-2100. CALLERS MAY REMAIN ANONOMOUS.

SHARK ATTACK IN EUREKA JH 10/31/12

A SURFER WAS ATTACKED BY A SHARK NEAR THE NORTH JETTY IN EUREKA YESTERDAY.

THE VICTIM, A 25 YEAR OLD SURFER WHOSE NAME HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED YET, WAS ABLE TO GET TO SHORE ON HIS OWN, BUT WAS SERIOUSLY INJURED. HE IS EXPECTED TO RECOVER AND WAS LISTED IN FAIR CONDITION YESTERDAY AFTERNOON. THE BITE MARK IN THE SURF BOARD IS VERY OBVIOUSLY A SHARK, AND IS MOST LIKELY THAT OF A GREAT WHITE, ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS. IT COMES JUST ONE WEEK AFTER 39 YEAR OLD FRANCISCO SOLORIO WAS KILLED BY A GREAT WHITE IN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY.

POT DEAL GONE BAD JH 10/31/12

A WOMAN CALLED AUTHORITIES TO REPORT SHE HAD BEEN SHORTED ON A MARIJUANA SALE LAST WEEK.

32 YEAR OLD KRISTIN WRIGHT TOLD DEPUTIES AS THEY WERE EN ROUTE THAT NO ACTUAL ROBBERY OCCURED. SHE REPORTED THAT SHE HAD ARRANGED TO SELL 10 POUNDS OF MARIJUANA TO THREE MEN FOR $20,000. THEY GAVE HER FOUR BUNDLES OF CASH THAT APPEARED TO BE $100 DOLLAR BILLS. THE MEN FLED JUST AS WRIGHT REALIZED THAT ONLY THE BILLS ON TOP WERE $100 BILLS, THE REST WERE $1 BILLS. REALIZING SHE GOT JUST OVER $400 INSTEAD OF $20,000, WRIGHT AND A MALE COMPANION PURSUED THE THREE MEN THAT WERE IN TWO SEPERATE VEHICLES. MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES INTERCEPTED ONE OF THE VEHICLES WITH THE TEN POUND OF POT INSIDE. TWO SUSPECTS, 18 YEAR OLD CHRISTOPHER JARAMILLO OF WILLMINGTON, AND 20 YEAR OLD JOSE LEMUS OF SAN PEDRO WERE ARRESTED FOR BOTH POSSESSION AND TRANSPORTATION OF POT FOR SALE. WRIGHT WAS ALSO ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF POT FOR SALE.

WALL STREET IN FT BRAGG CLOSED TONIGHT JH 10/31/12

THE CITY OF FORT BRAGG HAS ANNOUNCED THAT WALL STREET WILL BE CLOSED TONIGHT FOR THE SAFETY OF TRICK-OR-TREATERS.

THE STREET WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN OAK STREET AND CHESTNUT STREET FROM 6 PM TO 9 PM. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO REMIND THOSE TRAVELING IN VEHICLES TONIGHT TO SLOW DOWN AND BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING DUE TO ALL THE CHILDREN AND INCREASED FOOT TRAFFIC ALONG ROADWAYS.

SFAE TRICK-OR-TREATING IN DOWNTOWN UKIAH JH 10/31/12

UKIAH MAIN STREET PROGRAM’S ANNUAL SAFE TRICK-OR-TREAT EVENT WILL BE THIS EVENING IN DOWNTOWN UKIAH.

PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS WILL BE PASSING OUT HALLOWEEN CANDY AND GOODIES TO THOSE IN COSTUME AGE TWO TO TWELVE. THE FIRST 800 TRICK-OR-TREATERS WILL RECEIVE A FREE PARTY FAVOR, AND MAPS IDENTIFYING ALL PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS WILL BE AVAILABLE. THE EVENT BEGINS AT 3:30 PM TODAY, AND ENDS AT 5:30 PM.

TIP LEADS TO DRUG AND WARRANT ARRESTS JH 10/31/12

FOLLOWING A TIP, MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES TRACKED A POINT ARENA MAN WANTED FOR ASSAULT WITH A DEADLY WEAPON AND PROBATION VIOLATIONS TO A FORT BRAGG HOTEL ON SUNDAY NIGHT.

AS AUTHORITIES ARRIVED AT THE HOTEL TO ARREST 37 YEAR OLD CHARLES BRISTOL, HIS COMPANION, 53 YEAR OLD CHRISTINA MAJORANA WAS SEEN GFETTING INTO A VEHICLE AND LEAVING. FORT BRAGG POLICE PULLED HER OVER AND FOUND 1.7 GRAMS OF METHAMPHETAMINE AND PARAPHERNALIA. MAJORANA WAS ARRESTED, WHILE SHERIFF’S DEPUTIES ARRESTED BRISTOL BACK AT THE HOTEL, WHO WAS ALSO IN POSSESSION OF METHAMPHETAMINE. BOTH WERE BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

WOMAN WHO LET FRIEND BORROW CAR WAS ARRESTED JH 10/31/12

A WOMAN WHO LET A FRIEND BORROW HER CAR WAS ARRESTED AFTER THE FRIEND WAS STOPPED BY POLICE.

POLICE PULLED OVER THE VEHICLE SUNDAY AFTERNOON FOR HAVING AN OBJECT HANGING FROM THE REAR VIEW MIRROR THAT OBSTRUCTED THE DRIVER’S VIEW. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, THE OFFICER ASKED THE WOMAN FOR PERMISSION TO SEARCH THE VEHICLE, AND SHE AGREED. WHILE SEARCHING IT, THE VEHICLES REGISTERED OWNER, 46 YEAR OLD KARLA GUNBY WALKED UP AND ALLEGEDLY TOLD OFFICERS THAT ANYTHING THEY FOUND BELONGED TO HER. THE SEARCH REVEALED METHAMPHETAMINE, A MORPHINE PILL, MARIJUANA, A SCALE, PACKAGING MATERIALS AND SEVERAL HYPODERMIC NEEDLES. GUNBY WAS BOOKED INTO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

NORBURY TRIAL UPDATE JH 10/31/12

AS THE SANITY PHASE OF BILLY NORBURY’S MURDER TRIAL WINDS DOWN, A PSYCHIATRIST TOLD THE COURT THAT NORBURY WAS SANE AT THE TIME OF THE SHOOTING.

34 YEAR OLD NORBURY WAS CONVICTED LAST WEEK OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER AND A SPECIAL ALLEGATION THAT HE USED A GUN TO KILL HIS REDWOOD VALLEY NEIHBOR, JAMAL ANDREWS. THE PSYCHIATRIST TOLD THE COURT THAT WHILE NORBURY MAY HAVE BEEN MENTALLY ILL, HE DID NOT MEET THE LEGAL DEFINITION OF INSANITY. NORBURY FACES 50 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR THE KILLING. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, IF HE IS FOUND NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY, NORBURY COULD INSTEAD SERVE HIS SENTENCE AT A MENTAL HEALTH FACILITY, WHERE HE COULD AT SOME POINT QUALIFY FOR AN OUTPATIENT PROGRAM AND LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY. NORBURY’S FATE IS NOW UP TO THE JURY.

SMALL GRASS FIRE JH 10/31/12

A SMALL FIRE BROKE OUT YESTERDAY AFTERNOON BEHIND EAGLE DISTRIBUTING IN UKIAH.

THE FIRE STARTED AROUND 3:30 IN THE BRUSH UNDER SEVERAL TREES ALONG THE BACK EDGE OF THE PARKING LOT. FIRE CREWS RESPONDED QUICKLY TO EXTINGUISH THE BLAZE WITH VERY LITTLE DAMAGE.

THREE MEN INVOLVED IN A FATAL CAR CRASH LAST WEEK WERE BELIEVED TO BE ON THEIR WAY TO PREFORM A HOME INVASION AND OR MARIJUANA RIP OFF, ACCORDING TO CHP.

20 YEAR OLD DOMONIC TROY QUILICI WAS DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON HIGHWAY 101 AT CUMMINS ROAD EARLY LAST THURSDAY, WHEN FOR UNKNOWN REASONS THE VEHICLE LEFT THE ROADWAY, HIT AND AMBANKMENT, AND ROLLED SEVERAL TIMES. QUILICI SUSRVIVED, HOWEVER, HIS TWO PASSENGERS, 21 YEAR OLD VINCENT JAY DODSON AND 44 YEAR OLD GREG SAUL DODSON WERE BOTH EJECTED FROM THE VEHICLE AND DIED FROM THEIR INJURIES. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, IN THE VEHICLE, DEPUTIES FOUND THREE LOADED HANDGUNS, TWO OF WHICH WERE STOLEN, TWO BULLET PROOF VESTS, ILLEGAL EXPLOSIVES, AN EXPANDABLE BATON, DUCT TAPE, A SKI MASK AND A PRINTED GOOGLE MAP WITH DIRECTIONS TO SHELTER COVE. QUILICI WAS BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

TRAFFIC STOP LEADS TO DRUG BUST JH 10/30/12

AN EARLY MORNING TRAFFIC STOP LED TO A DRUG BUST YESTERDAY.

CHP PULLED OVER 41 YEAR OLD LAURA LOUISE LONG AT ABOUT 12:15 AM FOR WEAVING ON HIGHWAY 29 AT HIGHLAND SPRINGS ROAD. THE OFFICER SMELLED MARIJUANA AND NOTICED A PIPE BETWEEN THE DRIVERS LEGS. A SEARCH OF THE VEHICLE REVEALED A LARGE AMOUNT OF POT, AS WELL AS METHAMPHETAMINE, HYDROCODONE AND OTHER DRUG PARAPHERNALIA. LONG WAS BOOKED INTO THE LAKE COUNTY HILL ROAD CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.

DUI ARREST ON HIGHWAY 29 JH 10/30/12

A NICE MAN WAS ARRESTED EARLY SATURDAY AFTER HE CRASHED ON HIGHWAY 29 NEAR MOCKINGBIRD LANE.

22 YEAR OLD KLYNT LOWRIE DROVE OFF THE HIGHWAY AND HIT A DIRT EMBANKMENT AROUND 4 AM, FLIPPING HIS VEHICLE.HIS PASSENGER, 30 YEAR OLD NICHOLLE GOEKEN OF LAKEPORT WAS INJURED, COMPLAINING OF NECK AND BACK PAIN. GOEKEN WAS FLOWN TO SANTA ROSA MEMORIAL HOSPITAL. LOWRIE WAS DETERMINED TO BE INTOXICATED, AND WAS BOOKED INTO THE LAKE COUNTY HILL ROAD CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.

COBB MAN ARRESTED FOR DUI CRASH JH 10/30/12

A COBB MAN WAS ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE LATE SATURDAY NIGHT AFTER HE CRASHED NEAR KELSEYVILLE.

31 YEAR OLD DAVID WILLIAM METTLER WAS DRIVING EASTBOUND ON BOTTLE ROCK ROAD AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED WHEN HE ALLOWED HIS VEHICLE TO CROSS THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINES AND SIDE SWIPE ANOTHER VEHICLE DRIVEN BY 33 YEAR OLD ANDREW CHINNOCK, ALSO OF COBB. ACCORDING TO CHP, CHINNOCK COMPLAINED OF PAIN TO HIS HEAD, NECK, BACK AND WRIST, AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO ST HELENA CLEARLAKE HOSPITAL. METTLER WAS UNINJURED, BUT WAS DETERMINED TO BE INTOXICATED AND TRANSPORTED TO THE LAKE COUNTY JAIL.

LOCAL VOLUNTEERS HEAD EAST TO HELP WITH HURRICANE SANDY 10/30/12

SIX VOLUNTEERS FROM FIVE NORTH BAY COUNTIES HAVE HEADED EAST TO ASSIST THOSE AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY.

THE SIX VOLUNTEERS, INCLUDING ONE FROM UKIAH AND ONE FROM KELSEYVILLE, ARE WORKING WITH THE RED CROSS TO FEED, SHELTER AND PROVIDE CLIENT SERVICES THAT WORK TO ACCOMMODATE EACH PERSON’S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS. THE RED CROSS HAS DEPLOYED MORE THAN 1,300 DISASTER WORKERS TO THE EAST COAST, AND MORE THAN 230 THOUSAND READY TO EAT MEALS HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE AREA. TO HELP FIND A LOVED ONE AFFECTED BY THE STORM, PEOPLE CAN DOWNLOAD THE RED CROSS HURRICANE APP, AVAILABLE IN BOTH ENGLISH AND SPANISH, VISIT THE RED CROSS WEB SITE, OR CALL 1-800 RED CROSS. PEOPLE CAN ALSO REGISTER ON THE RED CROSS SAFE AND WELL WEB SITE, A SECURE AND EASY-TO-USE ONLINE TOOL THAT HELPS FAMILIES CONNECT DURING EMERGENCIES. TO REGISTER, VISIT WWW.REDCROSS.ORG.

WALL STREET CLOSURE FOR HALLOWEEN NIGHT JH 10/30/12

THE CITY OF FORT BRAGG HAS ANNOUNCED THAT WALL STREET WILL BE CLOSED ON HALLOWEEN NIGHT FOR THE SAFETY OF TRICK-OR-TREATERS.

THE STREET WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN OAK STREET AND CHESTNUT STREET FROM 6 PM TO 9 PM. THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WOULD LIKE TO REMIND THOSE TRAVELING IN VEHICLES TOMORROW NIGHT TO SLOW DOWN AND BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN DRIVING DUE TO ALL THE CHILDREN AND INCREASED FOOT TRAFFIC ALONG ROADWAYS.

CLEARLAKE POLICE OFFERS ‘YOU ARE NOT ALONE’ PROGRAM JH 10/30/12

THE CLEARLAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT’S VOLUNTEERS IN POLICE SERVICES IS OFFERING A SPECIAL FREE OUTREACH PROGRAM TO LOCAL SENIORS THROUGH THE YOU ARE NOT ALONE PROGRAM.

THE PROGRAM PROVIDES REGULAR PHONE CALLS TO SENIORS WHO LIVE ALONE AND WHO HAVE LIMITED FAMILY OR COMMUNITY CONTACTS. SENIORS CAN ALSO CALL THE PROGRAM FOR HELP FINDING SPECIFIC SERVICES AND RESOURCES. THE YOU ARE NOT ALONE PROGRAM PROMOTES PEACE OF MIND AND A SENSE OF SECURITY FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS. SENIORS CAN REGISTER BY CALLING 994-8201, EXTENSION 322. LEAVE YOUR CONTACT NUMBER AND THEY WILL RETURN YOUR CALL. TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER IN THE PROGRAM, CALL THE SAME NUMBER AND LEAVE YOUR INFORMATION.

PG&E OFFERS ENERGY EFFICIENCY RETROFITS JH 10/30/12

LAKE COUNTY ENERGY WATCH HAS A PROGRAM FOR PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY COMMERCIAL CUSTOMERS IN THE COUNTY TO HELP IMPROVE ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND SAVE MONEY.

THESE RETROFITS ARE AVAILABLE TO SMALL BUSINESSES, NON-PROFITS, AND SPECIAL DISTRICTS, AS WELL AS CITY, STATE AND FEDERAL FACILITIES IN THE COUNTY. INFORMATION ON THE PG&E PROGRAMS IS ON THE LAKE COUNTY ENERGY WATCH WEB SITE AND AT PGE.COM.

A SERIAL BANK ROBBER WAS CONVICTED ON FRIDAY FOR THE AUGUST ROBBERY OF THE REDWWOD CREDIT UNION IN POINT ARENA.

55 YEAR OLD FREDERICK ORLANDO PLEADED GUILTY TO THE ROBBERY AND ADMITTED NINE SEPARATE SENTANCING ENHANCEMENTS. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, ORLANDO ENTERED THE CREDIT UNION WITH ANOTHER MAN, BRANDISHED A HANDGUN AT TELLERS AND CUSTOMERS, DEMANDED MONEY FROM THE CASH DRAWERS, THEN HERDED ALL THE PEOPLE INTO THE BACK ROOM. HE AND CO-DEFENDANT ATTEMPTED TO ESCAPE EAST ON FISH ROCK ROAD WHERE CHP AND POLICE BOXED THEM IN AND ARRESTED THEM BOTH. THE JURY TRIAL HAD BEEN SCHEDULED FOR NEXT MONTH, INSTEAD, A SENTANCING HEARING IS NOW SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 21. ACCORDING TO THE DA, THE SENTANCING IS ONLY A FORMALITY, AS ORLANDO’S ATTORNEY HAS ALREADY AGREED THAT ORLANDO WILL RECEIVE A SENTANCE OF 45 YEARS TO LIFE. ACCORDING TO INVESTIGATORS, ORLANDO REMAINS A SUSPECT IN SEVERAL OTHER BANK ROBBERIES, AND HE ALLEGEDLY CONFESSED, WHILE IN MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL, TO BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR A 30 YEAR OLD UNSOLVED MURDER IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

THE 15 YEAR OLD FEMALE VICTIM TOLD POLICE SHE WAS DATING 21 YEAR OLD JOSE ALFREDO MANCERA-MARTINEZ, AND THAT THEY HAD ENGAGED IN SEXUAL RELATIONS. OFFICERS CONTACTED THE SUSPECT, WHO ADMIT TO THE RELATIONSHIP. THE REPORT WAS SENT TO THE DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE, WHO ISSUED AN ARREST WARRANT. MANCERA-MARTINEZ WAS ARRESTED THURSDAY AFTER A COURT APPEARANCE AT TEN MILE JUSTICE COURT ON AN UNRELATED CASE. HE WAS BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

TRESPASSING ARREST JH 10/29/12

FORT BRAGG POLICE RESPONDED TO A REPORT OF TRESPASING AT 152 AND A HALF FLORENCE STREET.

JOSEPH LITTLE TOOK OFF RUNNING WHEN HE SAW OFFICERS ARRIVE, AND REFUSED TO STOP AT THE OFFICERS REQUEST. POLICE CAUGHT UP WITH LITTLE AT SOUTH HAROLD AND WILLOW STREET. LITTEL WAS ARRESTED FOR TRESPASSING, PROBATION VIOLATIONS AN RESISTING ARREST.

TWO FLOWN OUT AFTER CLEARLAKE CRASH JH 10/29/12

TWO WOMEN WERE FLOWN TO AN OUT OF COUNTY HOSPITAL FOLLOWING A CRASH NEAR CLEARLAKE OAKS YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

THE TWO VEHICLE COLLISION OCCERED AT HIGHWAY 20 AND ORCHARD SHORES DRIVE, WHEN ONE VEHICLE PULLED OUT OF THE ORCHARD SHORES PARKING LOT AND WAS T-BONED BY THE SECOND VEHICLE. ONE WOMAN APPEARED TO BE INJURED AND THE OTHER WAS PREGNANT. BOTH WERE FLOWN TO QUEEN OF THE VALLEY HOSPITAL IN NAPA.

LAKE COUNTY MAN SENTENCED TO 55 YEARS TO LIFE FOR BURGLARIES JH 10/29/12

A LAKE COUNTY MAN WAS SENTENCED TO 55 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON FOR TWO BURGLARIES.

47 YEAR OLD JOSEPH MICHAEL GIRK WAS FOUND GUILTY IN AUGUST OF THE TWO BURGLARY COUNTS. IN ADDITION TO THE BURGLARIES, THE JURY ALSO DETERMINED THAT GIRK COMMITTED THEFTS AT BOTH RESIDENCES, WHICH CONSTITUTED TWO ADDITIONAL FELONY CONVICTIONS. GIRK WAS SENTENCED UNDER CALIFORNIA’S THREE STRIKES LAW, BECAUSE HE HAD AT LEAST TWO PRIOR STRIKE OFFENSES AT THE TIME HE COMMIT THE FOUR NEW FELONIES.

HIT AND RUN DAMAGES FENCE AT LUCERNE HOTEL JH 10/29/12

A RECENTLY BUILT FENCE AT THE LUCERNE HOTEL, AND FUTURE HOME OF MARYMOUNT COLLEGE, WAS DAMAGED IN A CRASH EARLY YESTERDAY MORNING.

ACCORDING TO CHP, THE HIT AND RUN CRASH ON COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE WAS REPORTED SHORTLY AFTER 3 AM. THE VEHICLE HIT A 30 FOOT STRETCH OF FENCE AND SHEARED OFF FOUR 4X4 POSTS AT GROUND LEVEL. SIGNIFICANT DEBRIS FROM THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE SCENE SUNDAY AFTERNOON, INCLUDING A FULL, UNOPENED BEER CAN. ANYONE WITH INFORMATION ABOUT THIS CRASH IS URGED TO CONTACT THE CHP AT 279-0103.

CITY RECOMMENDS STOPPING CITY OF UKIAH AMBULANCE SERVICE JH 10/29/12

THE UKIAH CITY COUNCIL WILL HOLD A WORKSHOP WEDNESDAY TO HEAR A PRESENTATION BY PUBLIC SAFETY DIRECTOR CHRIS DEWEY ABOUT THE HIGH COST OF PROVIDING AMBULANCE SERVICES.

IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE FISCAL YEAR, JULY THROUGH SEPTEMBER, DEWEY STATED THAT FIRE AND AMBULANCE OVERTIME BUDGET AND PART-TIME ASSISTANCE BUDGET HAVE BEEN COMPLETELY EXPENDED, AND IF THIS CONTINUES, THE DEPARTMENT COULD BE OVER BUDGET BY AS MUCH AS $193,000. RATHER THAN CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AMBULANCE SERVICE AND HOSPITAL TRANSPORTATION, DEWEY IS RECOMMENDING THE CITY RESPOND ONLY WITH PARAMEDICS ON A FIRE ENGINE. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, ALL THE FIREFIGHTERS ARE ALSO PARAMEDICS AND .ALL THE EQUIPMENT ON AN AMBULANCE IS ALREADY ON A FIRE ENGINE. THE MEETING IS SCHEDULED AT 5:30 ON WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON SEMINARY AVENUE.

THE APPROVAL WAS CONDITIONARY, AS THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION MAY REQUIRE A LIGHT ON THE TOWER DUE TO IT’S HEIGHT. THE PLANNING COMMISSION STATED THAT IF A LIGHT IS REQUIRED, THE TOWER WILL HAVE TO BE SHORTENED TO THE MAXIMUM HEIGHT ALLOWED WITHOUT A LIGHT. THE COMMISSIONS CONDITIONARY APPROVAL OF THE PERMITS WAS UNANIMOUS.

LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY ID’S MAN SHOT TO DEATH BY OFFICER JH 10/26/12

NEWS UPDATE

THE LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE HAS RELEASED THE IDENTITY OF THE MAN SHOT TO DEATH BY A CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER ON WEDNESDAY.

52 YEAR OLD RONALD WALTER OSSENBERG OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA HAD A LENGTHY HISTORY OF CRIMINAL OFFENSES, INCLUDING CRIMES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND DRUG OFFENSES. HE WAS ALSO A REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER WITH MULTIPLE WARRANTS FOR HIS ARREST. OSSENBERG HAD RECENTLY BEEN RELEASED FROM JAIL IN ORANGE COUNTY AND WAS CHASED BY POLICE IN SAN LUIS OBISPO, AND THEN STOLE A WOMAN’S BACKPACK ON THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, BEFORE COMING TO LAKE COUNTY. A CHP OFFICER STOPPED TO CHECK A VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF HIGHWAY 29 AND FOUND OSSENBERG IN THE DRIVERS SEAT. THE OFFICER ASKED HIM TO STEP OUT OF THE VEHICLE, AND WHILE SHE RAN A CHECK ON HIM, HE ATTACKED, CHOKING HER AND THROWING HER TO THE GROUND. HE JUMPED ON HER AND TRIED TO TAKE HER GUN, HOWEVER, A BYSTANDER STOPPED AND RAN AT THEM, DISTRACTING OSSENBERG LONG ENOUGH FOR THE OFFICER TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE GUN AND SHOOT OSSENBERG ONCE. HE THEN JUMPED INTO THE STOLEN VEHICLE AND DROVE ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND CRASHED THROUGH A FENCE. HE WAS LATER PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. THE OFFICER IS OK, THOUGH HER NAME IS BEING WITHHELD MANDATED BY LAW.

THE LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEYS OFFICE EXPECTS TO RELEASE ADDITIONAL INFORMATION LATER TODAY, ABOUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING A FATAL OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING ON WEDNESDAY.

THE INCIDENT REPORTEDLY TOOK PLACE AROUND 2 PM WHEN A CHP OFFICER CONTACTED A 52 YEAR OLD MAN SITTING IN A STOLEN VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF HIGHWAY 29. THE SUSPECT ATTACKED THE OFFICER AND TRIED TO TAKE HER GUN. THE OFFICER RESPONDED BY SHOOTING THE SUSPECT ONCE. HE ATTEMPTED TO FLEE BUT CRASHED ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD, AND WAS LATER PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. THE NAMES OF BOTH THE SUSPECT AND OFFICER HAVE NOT YET BEEN RELEASED. THAT INFORMATION WILL LIKELY BE IN THE PRESS RELEASE LATER TODAY.

JOGGER HIT BY VAN AND SERIOUSLY INJURED JH 10/26/12

A MAN WAS HIT AND SERIOUSLY INJURED BY A MINI VAN WHILE JOGGING IN CLEARLAKE YESTERDAY MORNING.

63 YEAR OLD WILLIAM JACKSON OF CLEARLAKE PARK WAS DRIVING EAST ON ARROWHEAD ROAD WHEN FOR UNKNOWN REASONS HIS VEHICLE ACCIDENTALLY HIT A MAN JOGGING IN THE SAME DIRECTION. THE INJURED MAN WAS FLOWN TO UC DAVIS MEDICAL CENTER IN SERIOUS CONDITION. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, DRUGS AND ALCOHOL DO NOT APPEAR TO BE A FACTOR IN THE COLLISION. ANYONE WHO MAY HAVE WITNESSED THE COLLISION IS URGED TO CONTACT OFFICER ADAMS AT 994-8251.

DUI ARREST AFTER CRASH ON HIGHWAY 29 JH 10/26/12

A HIDDEN VALLEY LAKE MAN WAS ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF DUI AFTER A CRASH ON HIGHWAY 29.

58 YEAR OLD BEN ZONNEVELD OF LOWER LAKE WAS STOPPED AND SIGNALING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN FROM HIGHWAY 29 INTO HIS DRIVEWAY AROUND 6 PM YESTERDAY. 49 YEAR OLD BRETT MADSEN WAS ALSO TRAVELING ON HIGHWAY 29, BUT FAILED TO SEE ZONNEVELD’S VEHICLE STOPPED, AND REAR ENDED IT. ZONNEVELD WAS REPORTED TO BE OK. MADSEN WAS DETERMINED TO INTOXICATED AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE LAKE COUNTY HILL ROAD CORRECTIONAL FACILITY.

NORBURY TRIAL UPDATE JH 10/26/12

JOURNAL ENTRIES WRITTEN BY CONVICTED KILLER BILLY NORBURY’S FATHER ABOUT HIS SON’S STRANGE BEHAVIOR AND THE CONTINUED CROSS-EXAMINATION OF A PSYCHOLOGIST WENT BEFORE THE JURY YESTERDAY IN THE ONGOING SANITY PHASE OF NORBURY’S MURDER TRIAL.

ON MONDAY, THE JURY CONVICTED NORBURY OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER AND A SPECIAL ALLEGATION THAT HE USED A GUN TO KILL JAMAL ANDREWS IN JANUARY, HIS REDWOOD VALLEY NEIGHBOR. NORBURY’S ATTORNEY IS NOW MAKING A CASE TO THE JURY THAT NORBURY WAS LEGALLY INSANE AT THE TIME OF THE SHOOTING. ACCORDING TO A PSYCHOLOGIST ON THE WITNESS STAND, HE HAS DIAGNOSED NORBURY AS A PARANOID SCHIZOPHRENIC. IF NORBURY IS FOUND TO HAVE BEEN SANE AT THE TIME OF THE CRIME, HE FACES 50 YEARS TO LIFE IN PRISON. THE TRIAL IS SCHEDULED TO CONTINUE MONDAY.

JURY SELECTION COMPLETE FOR BEASLEY MURDER TRIAL JH 10/26/12

JURY SELECTION IS COMPLETE FOR THE DOUBLE MURDER TRIAL OF ROBBY ALAN BEASLEY.

32 YEAR OLD BEASLEY FACES TWO MURDER CHARGES AND ONE COUNT OF BEING A FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM IN CONNECTION WITH THE SHOOTING DEATHS OF FRANK AND YVETTE MADOX. JURY SELECTION WRApPED UP YESTERDAY MORNING AND OPENING STATEMENTS IN THE TRIAL ARE SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 7.

HARE CREEK BEACH AND PUDDING CREEK BEACH SHOWED LEVELS GREATER THAN THOSE ALLOWED BY STATE STANDARDS, HOWEVER, THE ADVISORIES HAVE SINCE BEEN LIFTED. THE RECENT RAIN MAY HAVE HELPED CLEAR OUT THE BACTERIA AS IT ALLOWS THE CREEKS TO INCREASE FLOW AND WASH OUT SHALLOW WARM WATER AND DECOMPOSING KELP DEBRIS THAT CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE BACTERIA GROWTH. YOU CAN REACH THE COUNTY’S OCEAN BEACH MONITORING HOTLINE WITH UPDATED BEACH TEST RESULTS AT 463-5425.

BASIC WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER COURSE OFFERED FREE JH 10/26/12

THE MENDOCINO COUNTY OFFICE OF EDUCATION’S CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IN COLLABORATION WITH CAL FIRE, WILL OFFER ENTRY-LEVEL BASIC WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER TRAINING FOR FREE.

THE TRAINING PROGRAM IS OPEN TO 30 QUALIFIED LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS AND YOUNG ADULTS. UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE 180 HOUR FIRE SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM, STUDENTS WILL EARN CERTIFICATIONS AND BE ELIGIBLE TO APPLY FOR CAL FIRE BASIC FIREFIGHTER EMPLOYMENT BEGINNING JUNE 1, 2013. APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED UNTIL 5 PM NEXT FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2. THE PROGRAM BEGINS NOVEMBER 9.

MENDO COUNTY BOY SCOUT CAMP HAS SOLD JH 10/26/12

THE BOY SCOUTS’ REDWOOD EMPIRE COUNCIL HAS COMPLETED THE $1.9 MILLION DOLLAR SALE OF ITS CAMP MASONITE-NAVARRO IN SOUTHERN MENDOCINO COUNTY.

ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THE SALE TO NORTH WEST STEWARDS, A SEATTLE BASED REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT COMPANY, ALLOWS SCOUTS TO CONTINUE TO USE THE FACILITY AS THEY HAVE FOR NEARLY SIX DECADES.

A CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL OFFICER SHOT AND KILLED A SUSPECT IN A STOLEN VEHICLE YESTERDAY AFTERNOON.

ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, THE UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE CHP OFFICER, SAW A MAN SITTING IN A STOLEN VEHICLE ON THE SIDE OF HIGHWAY 29 IN LAKE COUNTY. SHE PULLED OVER TO MAKE CONTACT WITH THE SUSPECT, WHO, AS IT TURNED OUT, HAD WARRANTS OUT FOR HIS ARREST. NOT ALL DETAILS HAVE BEEN RELEASED YET, BUT ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THE MALE SUSPECT ATTACKED THE FEMALE CHP OFFICER, AND AT SOME POINT DURING THE CONFRONTATION, ATTEMPTED TO TAKE HER GUN. THE OFFICER RESPONDED BY SHOOTING THE SUSPECT ONCE. REPORTS INDICATE HE THEN RAN AND GOT INTO THE STOLEN VEHICLE AND TRIED TO FLEE. HOWEVER, HE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND CRASHED. THE SUSPECT WAS LATER PRONOUNCED DEAD AT THE SCENE. THE CHP OFFICER IS REPORTED TO BE DOING FINE. THE INCIDENT IS STILL UNDER INVESTIGATION.

FORT BRAGG OFFICER INJURED DURING ARREST OF THREE MEN JH 10/25/12

A FORT BRAGG POLICE OFFICER WAS INJURED WHILE TRYING TO ARREST THREE DRUNKEN MEN.

OFFICERS RESPONDED TO A REPORTED DISTURBANCE IN THE 1100 BLOCK OF SOUTH MAIN STREET TUESDAY EVENING TO FIND THREE INTOXICATED MEN: 41 YEAR OLD DYLAN SWARTOUT, 62 YEAR OLD SHON FOOTE, AND 40 YEAR OLD WILLIAM CADY, ALL OF FORT BRAGG. WHEN OFFICERS TRIED TO ARREST THE MEN, SWARTOUT AND FOOTE BECAME COMBATIVE AND ONE OFFICER SUSTAINED AND INJURY TO HIS KNEE DURING THE ALTERCATION. PRIOR TO BOOKING, SWARTOUT THREATENED HARM TO ANOTHER OF THE OFFICERS AND HIS FAMILY. ALL THREE SUSPECTS WERE TRANSPORTED TO THE MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

LC MAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO EMBEZZLEMENT JH 10/25/12

A FORMER LAKEPORT CITY UTILITIES SUPERINTENDENT PLEADED NOT GUILTY TO MORE THAN A DOZEN FELONIES FOR ALLEGEDLY MISUSING HIS CITY ISSUED CREDIT CARD.

36 YEAR OLD MATHEW ALLEN JOHNSON FACES SEVEN COUNTS OF EMBEZZLEMENT AND SEVEN COUNTS OF MISSAPPROPRIATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS. DURING TUESDAYS ARRAIGNMENT HEARING, AUTHORITIES ALLEGE JOHNSON MADE MORE THAN $6,500 IN UNAUTHORIZED CHARGES USING THE CITY CARD AND IN SOME CASES, ALTERED CITY RECORDS. ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, THE CREDIT CARD IS MEANT ONLY TO BE USED FOR CITY TRAVEL OR NECESSARY DEPARTMENT PURCHASES. JOHNSON WILL APPEAR IN COURT AGAIN ON NOVEMBER 27TH TO SCHEDULE A PRELIMINARY HEARING.

RESTRAINING ORDER VIOLATION JH 10/25/12

FORT BRAGG POLICE RESPONDED TO A REPORT OF A RESTRAINING ORDER VIOLATION.

AN UNIDENTIFIED RESIDENT TOLD POLICE THAT 48 YEAR OLD KRISTY LYNN COX HAD ENTERED THE HOME’S BACKYARD AND STOLEN LAWN IMPLEMENTS, DESPITE A RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST HER. COX WAS LATER LOCATED WITH THE MISSING LAWN IMPLEMENTS IN HER POSSESSION. SHE WAS ARRESTED AND BOOKED INTO MENDOCINO COUNTY JAIL.

NAVARRO TRIAL SCHEDULED TO BEGIN JH 10/25/12

THE TRIAL OF A FORMER LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY ACCUSED OF SEXUALLY ABUSING A YOUNG TEENAGER IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN NEXT WEEK.

40 YEAR OLD DERIK NAVARRO IS FACING 16 CHARGES FOR HIS ALLEGED YEARLONG SEXUAL INVOLVEMENT WITH THE TEEN, BEGINNING IN 2005 WHEN SHE WAS JUST 14 YEARS OLD. THE CALIFORNIA ATTORNEY GENERAL IS HANDLEING THE PROSECUTION DUE TO A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH THE LAKE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE. IN APRIL, A CHANGE OF VENUE WAS GRANTED DUE TO PUBLICITY AND OTHER FACTOIRS IN THE CASE. NAVARROS ALLEGED CRIMES WERE COMMIT WHEN HE WAS A LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPUTY, BUT AFTER AN INVESTIGATION IN 2007, HE WAS FIRED AND ARRESTED. AN AGREEMENT WAS REACHED LAST YEAR BETWEEN ALL PARTIES INVOLVED, HOWEVER, THE JUDGE TURNED DOWN THE AGREEMENT, SAYING IT WAS TOO LENIENT. THE TRIAL BEGINS MONDAY IN MARIN COUNTY.

DOCTORS EVALUATE THE MENTAL STATE OF MURDER SUSPECT JH 10/25/12

DOCTORS ARE SET TO EVALUATE THE MENTAL STATE OF A KELSEYVILLE MAN FACING ATTEMPTED MURDER AND OTHER COUNTS FOR ALLEGEDLY ATTACKING HIS ESTRANGED WIFE AND SHOOTING HER MALE FRIEND IN 2011.

40 YEAR OLD ANDREW JAMES SERRANO IS CHARGED WITH 10 FELONIES AND 4 MISDEMEANORS FOR AN ALLEGED PATTERN OF HARASSMENT LAST YEAR CULMINATING IN THE SEPTEMBER SHOOTING. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, THE DEFENSE COUNCIL STATED DOUBT ABOUT HIS CLIENTS MENTAL COMPETENCY DURING A TUESDAY COURT APPEARANCE. SERRANO IS SCHEDULED TO RETURN TO COURT ON DECEMBER 18 FOR A HEARING IN REGARD TO HIS MENTAL STATE. THE TRIAL IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN JANUARY 30TH.

HIGHWAY 101 CLOSURE JH 10/25/12

THE CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL REPORTED THAT HIGHWAY 101 NORTH OF REDWAY IN HUMBOLT COUNTY WILL BE CLOSED TODAY FROM 11 AM TO NOON.

THE CLOSURE IS SO CREWS CAN REPAIR A SLIDE AREA. THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 20 TO 25 MINUTES, AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO FIND ALTERNATE ROUTES DURING THE CLOSURE.HEARING ON THE ISSUE.

EARTHQUAKE IN REDWOOD VALLEY JH 10/24/12

A SMALL EARTHQUAKE SHOOK REDWOOD VALLEY YESTERDAY JUST BEFORE NOON.

THE 2.7 MAGNITUDE QUAKE SHOOK THINGS UP AT 11:29 AM AND WAS CENTERED TWO MILES EAST OF REDWOOD VALLEY. NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

MENDOCINO COUNTY SHERIFF TOM ALLMAN HAS LAUNCHED AN INTERNAL INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT ONE OF HIS CAPTAINS WAS INVOLVED IN GROWING MARIJUANA ON HIS FAMILY’S PROPERTY.

THE INVESTIGATION WAS LAUNCHED AFTER OFFICERS FROM THE FEDERAL DRUG ENFORCEMENT AGENCY, FBI AND IRS SERVED A SEARCH WARRANT ON PROPERTY OWNED BY CAPTAIN RANDY JOHNSON’S FATHER, WHERE THE FEDERAL AGENTS FOUND MORE THAN 500 MARIJUANA PLANTS. CAPTAIN JOHNSON OWNS THE PROPERTY ADJACENT TO HIS FATHERS. TO AVOID A CONFLICT OF INTEREST, THE INVESTIGATION IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE SONOMA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT. ALLMAN SAID HE EXPECTS THE INVESTIGATION TO BE COMPLETE IN ABOUT A MONTH. CAPTAIN JOHNSON REMAINS ON DUTY.

DNA ANALYSIS IDENTIFIES SUSPECT IN DECEMBER 2011 BURGLARY JH 10/24/12

A CLEARLAKE MAN HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS THE SUSPECT IN THE BURGLARY OF SULLIVAN TIRES IN CLEARLAKE LAST DECEMBER.

WHEN POLICE INVESTIGATED THE BURGLARY LAST YEAR, SOMEONE HAD SMASHED OUT A WINDOW AND TRIED TO REMOVE THE CASH REGISTER FROM THE BUSINESS, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. EVIDENCE COLLECTED AT THE SCENE WAS SUBMIT TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, WHO CONDUCTED DNA TESTING. THE RESULT ARE IN, AND 23 YEAR OLD DOYLE JEORGE HARRIS OF CLEARLAKE IS FACING CHARGES IN THE CASE. HARRIS WAS EASY TO FIND, AS HE WAS ALREADY IN CUSTODY ON A MISDEMEANOR PROBATION VIOLATION. WHEN ASKED ABOUT THE BURGLARY AND PRESENTED WITH THE EVIDENCE, HARRIS ADMIT TO THE CRIME. THE CLEARLAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT IS ASKING THAT ANYONE WITH ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON THIS CASE TO CONTACT DETECTIVE ALVERADO AT 994-8251.

CLEARLAKE WOMAN GIVES BIRTH IN JAIL LOBBY JH 10/24/12

A 29 YEAR OLD CLEARLAKE WOMAN ARRESTED LAST WEEKEND IN SANTA CRUZ, GAVE BIRTH TO A BABY IN THE LOBBY OF THE JAIL.

THE UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN HAD BEEN ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF BEING DRUNK IN PUBLIC SUNDAY AFTERNOON. ACCORDING TO AUTHORITIES, JAIL STAFF INITIALLY REFUSED TO BOOK HER BECAUSE SHE WAS PREGNANT AND INTOXICATED. SHE WAS EVALUATED AT A LOCAL HOSPITAL, THEN TAKEN BACK TO THE JAIL SUNDAY EVENING FOR BOOKING. EARLY MONDAY, SHE WAS RELEASED AFTER BEING DETERMINED TO BE SOBER AND OK TO LEAVE. HER BROTHER WAS WAITING IN THE PARKING LOT AND AS THE WOMAN WAS BEING ESCORTED OUT OF THE JAIL LOBBY, SHE WENT INTO LABOR. JAIL MEDICAL STAFF DELIVERED A BABY GIRL ESTIMATED TO BE TWO OR THREE MONTHS PREMATURE. THE MOTHER AND BABY WERE TAKEN TO THE LOCAL HOSPITAL AND CHILD PROTECTIVE SERVICES WAS CONTACTED.

EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE IN MIDDLETOWN AREA JH 10/24/12

THE LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING AN EMERGENCY ROAD CLOSURE THIS WEEK IN ORDER TO CONDUCT BRIDGE REPAIRS IN THE MIDDLETOWN AREA.

SANTA ROSA AVENUE WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM TOMORROW, OCTOBER 25TH, IN ORDER TO REPLACE A PORTION OF THE BRIDGE DECK. PUBLIC WORKS SAID THAT IF RESIDENTS NEED TO LEAVE THEIR PROPERTY ON THAT DAY, THEY MUST DO SO BY NO LATER THAN 8 AM. THEY SHOULD ALSO BE PREPARED TO NOT HAVE ACCESS BACK TO THEIR HOMES UNTIL AFTER 5 PM. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL LAKE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS AT 263-2341.

MENDOCINO COUNTY FIRE SEASON ENDS JH 10/24/12

THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION HAS ANNOUNCED THE END OF FIRE SEASON FOR MENDOCINO COUNTY.

DUE TO THIS WEEKS RAIN, ALONG WITH INCREASED RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND LOWER TEMPERATURES, THE CAL FIRE MENDOCINO UNIT CHIEF CHRISTOPHER ROWNEY HAS DECLARED THE 2012 FIRE SEASON WILL END THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26TH AT MIDNIGHT. THIS YEAR BROUGHT A BUSY FIRE SEASON WITH 123 WILDLAND FIRES BURNING APPROXIMATELY 11,400 ACRES ON STATE RESPONSIBILITY LAND IN THE COUNTY. CAL FIRE ALONG WITH LOCAL FIRE DEPARTMENTS ALSO RESPONDED TO 95 STRUCTURE FIRES AND 482 OTHER FIRES IN THE COUNTY.

WINTER BURN SEASON BEGINS JH 10/24/12

THE WINTER BURN SEASON BEGINS THIS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26TH AT MIDNIGHT.

CAL FIRE WILL NOT REQUIRE BURNING PERMITS UNTIL APPROXIMATELY MAY 1ST, 2013. RESIDENTS ARE REMINDED THAT BURNING MUST COMPLY WITH MENDOCINO COUNTY AIR QUALITY REGULATIONS. FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO OBTAIN A BURN PERMIT VISIT WWW.MENDOAIR.ORG. RECORDED BURN DAY STATUS IS AVAILABLE 24/7 ON THE BURN INFORMATION LINE AT 463-4391.

CELL TOWER PROPOSED NEAR ELKS LODGE JH 10/24/12

AT TONIGHT’S CITY COUNCIL MEETING, THE UKIAH PLANNING COMMISSION WILL CONSIDER A REQUEST TO BUILD AN 80 FOOT CELL TOWER IN UKIAH NEAR THE ELKS LODGE ON HASTINGS ROAD.

ACCORDING TO OFFICIALS, JAY GRUENDLE OF ON AIR, LLC IS REQUESTING A USE PERMIT TO BUILD THE TOWER ON BEHALF OF VERIZON WIRELESS. IF APPROVED, THE COMPANY WOULD LEASE 1,200 SQUARE FEET IN THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE PROPERTY OWNED BY THE UKIAH ELKS LODGE. THE PROJECT WOULD NOT AFFECT THE LODGE OR ITS RV PARKING, BUT IT WOULD MEAN THE LOSS OF SEVEN PARKING SPACES. THE MEETING IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN AT 6 PM IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON SEMINARY AVENUE.

LAKE COUNTY CONSIDERS SALES TAX HIKE TO PROTECT LAKE JH 10/24/12

LAKE COUNTY RESIDENTS ARE UNITED IN THE BELIEF SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE TO COMBAT THE ALGAE AND WEEDS THAT INCREASINGLY PROLIFERATE IN CLEAR LAKE.

THE WEEDS AND ALGAE CLOG WATERWAYS, CREATE AN AWFUL STENCH AND DISCOURAGE TOURISM. THE PROPOSED SOLUTION IS MEASURE E ON THE NOVEMBER 6TH BALLOT. THE MEASURE WOULD INCREASE THE COUNTY’S SALES TAX BY A HALF PERCENT, RAISING AN ESTIMATED $2.4 MILLION DOLLARS ANNUALLY FOR THE TEN YEARS THE MEASURE WOULD BE IN EFFECT. THE TAX RATE IN THE UNINCORPORATED COUNTY WOULD INCREASE TO 7.75 PERCENT IF PASSED. THE BALLOT MEASURE MUST RECEIVE TWO-THIRDS OF THE VOTES CAST IN ORDER TO PASS.

BILLY NORBURY WAS DECLARED GUILTY IN THE KILLING OF HIS REDWOOD VALLEY NEIHBOR, JAMAL ANDREWS.

THE JURY RETURNED A GUILTY VERDICT ON BOTH COUNTS: MURDER IN THE FIRST DEGREE AND A SPECIAL ALLEGATION THAT NORBURY USED A GUN TO KILL ANDREWS.

NOW THAT NORBURY HAS BEEN CONVICTED, HIS ATTORNEY IS EXPECTED TO PRESENT EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT HIS PLEA OF NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY. THE JURY WILL THEN HAVE TO DECIDE ON THAT MATTER. THE TRIAL CONTINUES AT 9:30 TODAY.

NEW STORM DRAIN NEEDED NEAR UKIAH MCDONALDS JH 10/23/12

A NEW STORM DRAIN WILL BE ADDED AS PART OF THE PROJECT TO BUILD A NEW MCDONALDS ON NORTH ORCHARD AVENUE AFTER FLOODING OCCURED LAST MONTH.

THE DRAIN WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO BE INSTALLED WHEN THE NEW TURN LANE FROM PERKINS TO ORCHARD WAS ADDED, HOWEVER CAL TRANS WOULD NOT APPROVE IT. THE PROJECT WENT AHEAD WITHOUT THE DRAIN, AS TO NOT LOOSE THE GRANT THAT PAID FOR THE TURN LANE. THE NEW DRAINAGE PROJECT SHOULD GET STARTED THE FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT FIVE DAYS. THE CITY COUNCIL VOTED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE AWARDING THE CONTRACT.

STATE WIDE BURN BAN LIFTED JH 10/23/12

THANKS TO OUR FIRST SIGNIFICANT RAIN OF THE SEASON, COMBINED WITH COOLER TEMPERATURES, CAL FIRE HAS LIFTED THE STATE WIDE BURN BAN.

HOWEVER, LOCAL BURN BANS REMAIN IN EFFECT. THE LOCAL CAL FIRE UNIT CHIEFS WILL DETERMINE WHEN IT IS SAFE TO LIFT THE VARIOUS LOCAL BANS THROUGHOUT THE STATE. LAKE AND MENDOCINO COUNTY BURN BANS REMAIN IN EFFECT. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE BURN BAN AND TIPS ON SAFE BURNING, VISIT THE CAL FIRE WEB SITE AT WWW.FIRE.CA.GOV.

HOSPITAL DONATED BUILDING TO SCHOOL DISTRICT JH 10/23/12

SUTTER LAKESIDE HOSPITAL HAS DONATED A BUILDING THAT PREVIOUSLY HOUSED ITS UPPER LAKE MEDICAL CLINIC TO THE UPPER LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT.

THE MODULAR STRUCTURE, ORIGINALLY COSTING $247,000, WAS CONSTRUCTED ON THE SCHOOL PROPERTY IN 1997 TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY. CURRENTLY, THE SERVICES CAN BE OBTAINED AT SUTTER’S MOBILE HEALTH SERVICE UNIT, WHICH CAN BE FOUND PARKED AT THE UPPER LAKE HIGH SCHOOL ON TUESDAYS FROM 9 AM TO 3:30 PM. THE DONATED BUILDING CURRENTLY HOUSES THE HEALTHY START PROGRAM, AND THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SAID IT IS LOOKING FOR A SECOND TENANT TO ADD EVEN MORE VALUE TO THE SPACE.

WILLITS BYPASS PRECONSTRUCTION OPEN HOUSE JH 10/23/12

A PRECONSTRUCTION OPEN HOUSE FOR THE WILLITS BYPASS PROJECT ON HIGHWAY 101 WILL TAKE PLACE TONIGHT.

THE PUBLIC IS INVITED TO ATTEND THE DROP-IN STYLE OPEN HOUSE FROM 5 PM TO 8 PM AT THE WILLITS CITY HALL ON EAST COMMERCIAL STREET. CAL TRANS WILL BE HAND TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT THE PROJECT, WHICH WILL RELIEVE CONGESTION, REDUCE DELAYS, AND IMPROVE SAFETY FOR TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIANS THROUGH WILLITS.

LUCERNE WATER RATE MEETING JH 10/23/12

LUCERNE RESIDENTS ARE URGED TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP THIS WEEK TO GET MORE INFORMATION ABOUT PROPOSED WATER RATE HIKES IN THEIR COMMUNITY.

CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY WILL HOST THE RATE WORKSHOP THAT WILL PROVIDE DETAILS ABOUT PLANNED WATER SYSTEM IMPROVEMENTS, HOW RATES ARE SET, AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS ABOUT WATER RATES. AUDIENCE MEMBERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE AND ASK QUESTIONS. THE WORKSHOP IS TOMORROW NIGHT, OCTOBER 24 AT 6 PM IN THE LUCERNE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GYM.

CLEARLAKE CITY COUNCIL MEETING JH 10/23/12

THIS WEEK THE CLEARLAKE CITY COUNCIL WILL CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE GOVERNING TAXIS, AS WELL AS DISCUSS POSSIBLE SUPPORT OF PROPOSITION 37, THE CALIFORNIA RIGHT TO KNOW GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD ACT.

A PROPOSED ORDINANCE TO ESTABLISH REGULATIONS FOR TAXIS AND OTHER FOR HIRE VEHICLES WILL INVOLVE AN ANNUAL PERMIT PROCESS, INSPECTIONS AND MINIMUM LIABILITY REQUIREMENTS. ALSO, MEMBERS OF THE YES ON 37 LAKE COUNTY COMMITTEE ARE SCHEDULED TO MAKE A PRESENTATION ON THE PROPOSITION. THE MEETING WILL BEGIN AT 6 PM THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 AT THE CLEARLAKE CITY HALL.

FIREFIGHTERS INSTALLING SMOKE DETCTORS JH 10/23/12

THE LITTLE LAKE FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION IN WILLITS, WORKING WITH LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS, WILL PROVIDE SMOKE DETECTOR INSTALLATIONS, BATTERY CHANGES, AND HOME FIRE INSPECTIONS ON SATURDAY NOVEMBER 3RD.

FIREFIGHTERS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO VISIT HOMES WITH REPLACEMENT BATTERIES AND SMOKE DETECTORS BY APPOINTMENT. THEY WILL ALSO OFFER INSTALLATION TO HOMES NOT PROPERLY EQUIPPED WITH ENOUGH SMOKE DETECTORS, AT THE RESIDENTS REQUEST. ALTHOUGH THE PROGRAM IS DESIGNED FOR FOR LITTLE LAKE FIRE DISTRICT SENIORS AND DISADVANTAGED FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, OFFICIALS HAVE SAID THEY WILL PROVIDE ASSISTANCE WHERE THEY CAN. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE ‘INSTALL. INSPECT. PROTECT.’ CAMPAIGN, OR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT FOR NOVEMBER 3RD, CALL 459-6271.